Your First Home, in Plain Numbers.
We show you what you can afford before you fall for a house. Then we walk you from preapproval to the porch steps.
What Can I Afford?
Put in your real numbers. You get a price range, a monthly payment with every piece shown, and the cash you need at closing. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Homes in this price range
Monthly payment at the lower price
Cash to close, about
Down payment plus closing costs of about 2.5 to 4 percent. Seller credits and down payment help can lower it.
Four Ways Into a First Home
Most first time buyers here fit one of these. We run your numbers on each one and show you side by side.
ConventionalFrom 3% down
Best with fair to strong credit. PMI drops off once you have enough equity. Works for condos and most starter homes.
FHAFrom 3.5% down
More room for lower scores and past credit bumps. Has MIP up front and monthly. Good for older homes that pass the appraisal check.
VAZero down
For veterans, service members and some spouses. No monthly mortgage insurance. A one time funding fee, unless you are exempt.
USDAZero down
For homes in eligible areas outside the city core, with household income limits. We check the address and your income for you.
The Road Home
What buying your first place looks like with us, from the first kitchen table talk to the first box you unpack. Tap any photo.
Help You Might Not Know About
Down Payment Help in Indiana
State and local programs can help first time buyers with the down payment or closing costs. Most have income limits, a short class and rules about living in the home. We tell you which ones fit and what the catch is on each.
Ask About Help ProgramsWhere We Lend
We sit down with buyers all over northeast Indiana, at our office or your kitchen table.
First Time Buyers Say
We thought we needed 20 percent down. We closed on a bungalow with a lot less than that, and nobody talked down to us.
Dana R. New Haven
She showed us the payment with taxes and insurance in it from day one. No surprise at closing.
Marcus T. Huntertown
Used my VA loan for the first time. They explained the funding fee and helped me find out I was exempt.
Josh K. Fort Wayne
Sample reviews written for this demo. Your site shows your real Google reviews, word for word.
First Time Buyer Questions
How much do I really need to save to buy a house?
Less than most people think. Conventional loans can start at 3 percent down, FHA at 3.5 percent, and VA and USDA at zero down for people who qualify. You also need money for closing costs, which run about 2 to 4 percent of the price. Seller credits and down payment help can cover some of that.
Does checking my credit hurt my score?
A mortgage credit check can move your score a few points. Credit scoring models count several mortgage checks within a short window as one, so you can compare lenders without a pile of dings.
What is the difference between prequalified and preapproved?
Prequalified means we talked about your numbers. Preapproved means we pulled credit and looked at your pay stubs, W2s and bank statements. Sellers in Fort Wayne take a preapproval letter much more seriously.
Can I buy with student loans?
Yes. Lenders count a monthly payment for them, even if they are deferred. Each loan type counts it a little differently, so the program you pick can change what you qualify for.
Is there down payment help in Indiana?
There are state and local programs for first time buyers. Most have income limits, a class to take and rules about living in the home. We check which ones fit you and tell you the catch on each one.
Want a Real Preapproval?
Call or text. We answer weekdays 8:30 to 6 and Saturday mornings. A first talk costs nothing and does not touch your credit.
Call (260) 555-0134